Finding John Brown’s Birthplace, Right Here in Torrington, Conn.

Most of us associate abolitionist John Brown with Harpers Ferry, Va., where he led the famous raid on a federal armory in October 1859. The complex of buildings had 100,000 guns that Brown planned to use to help Black slaves to escape and find freedom.

He was hung that year in December for this and other crimes related to his lifetime dedication to ending slavery.

Brown is also famous for his raids and abolitionist activities in Kansas.

Brown traveled widely across the United States during his lifetime, but he was a native of New England and mostly lived in Connecticut and New York state. 

Anyone with even  modest interest in local history knows that Brown was born in Torrington, Conn. The home where he spent the first five years of his life was adjacent to the site of the University of Connecticut’s Torrington branch (which is now owned by the Five Points Gallery).

In 2002, state archaeologist Nick Bellantoni and a team of volunteers began an excavation of the site where the Brown family home had once been. 

A description of what they found and a history of Brown’s life is now available in PDF form and in a short video from the Torrington Historical Society. To find them and other articles of interest about this part of Litchfield County, go to www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.

A PDF and video from the Torrington Historical Society explains the life and work of abolitionist John Brown, and his connection to Litchfield County, where he was born and spent the first few years of his life. Image from the John Brown birthplace

Image from the John Brown birthplace

Image from the John Brown birthplace

A PDF and video from the Torrington Historical Society explains the life and work of abolitionist John Brown, and his connection to Litchfield County, where he was born and spent the first few years of his life. Image from the John Brown birthplace

Latest News

Wake Robin public hearing closes

Aradev LLC’s plans to redevelop Wake Robin Inn include four 2,000-square-foot cabins, an event space, a sit-down restaurant and fast-casual counter, a spa, library, lounge, gym and seasonal pool. If approved, guest room numbers would increase from 38 to 57.

Provided

LAKEVILLE — The public hearing for the redevelopment of Wake Robin Inn is over. Salisbury Planning and Zoning Commission now has two months to make a decision.

The hearing closed on Tuesday, Sept. 9, after its seventh session.

Keep ReadingShow less
Celebrating diverse abilities at Stanton Home fundraiser

The Weavery is Stanton Home’s oldest activity space, featuring a collection of vintage and modern floor looms. It offers opportunities for building dexterity, creative expression, and social connection through fiber arts.

Provided

Stanton Home is holding its annual Harvest Roast fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 13 in Great Barrington, an evening of farm-to-table dining, live swing music, and community connection.

For nearly 40 years, Stanton Home has supported adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential programs, therapeutic services and skill-building activities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sharon Playhouse presents staged reading of ‘Die Mommie Die!’
Charles Busch wrote and stars in ‘Die Mommie Die!’ at Sharon Playhouse.
Provided

Following the memorable benefit reading last season of Charles Busch’s Tony-nominated Broadway hit, “The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife,” the Sharon Playhouse will present a one-night-only staged reading of his riotous comic melodrama “Die Mommie Die!” on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.

The production —a deliciously over-the-top homage to classic Hollywood mid-century thrillers — ­­continues the Playhouse’s artistic partnership with Busch, who reprises his iconic role of the glamorous yet troubled songstress Angela Arden.

Keep ReadingShow less